All Features
Behind-the-scenes stories about regional water issues, projects, and people.
The Water News Network is San Diego County’s source for water news and information.
The Water News Network is San Diego County’s source for water news and information.
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Celebrates 30th Anniversary
/in Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSince its opening in 1992, the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve has evolved into one of San Diego County’s most precious natural resources. Celebrating its milestone 30th anniversary, the reserve, or EFRR, was originally developed when the Olivenhain Municipal Water District partnered with the San Diego County Water Authority and the Bureau of Land Management as […]
Best Options For Turf Removal
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalOnce you’ve finalized your landscaping plans, you’ll have some demolition work ahead of you, including the existing turf you plan to remove or replace. Removing turf presents choices about the best way to accomplish this task. Learn more about turf removal options and understand the steps before you begin. Start here with this video demonstrating […]
Irrigate Your WaterSmart Landscape Like a Pro
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalIrrigation is an essential part of any good landscape design. It ensures plants and trees get the water they need to thrive without wasting a drop. Once you know how much water your landscape plants require, it’s time to take a closer look at your irrigation system. Whether you are working with a professional designer […]
How to Pick Your Plants for a Successful WaterSmart Landscape
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalOnce your WaterSmart Living Landscape design starts coming together, pick your plants for each water-use category to ensure you meet your WaterSmart water conservation goals. Focus on local native plants or plants from similar climate regions. Let this video help you choose the right plants for our Mediterranean climate Once you’ve chosen your plant types, […]
Committed to Conservation
/in Features, View From The Chair /by Mike LeeOur investments to protect San Diego County from the harsh effects of the worst drought in 1,200 years continue to pay off. Last week, the San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming our commitment to water conservation after we were joined by California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, San […]
Smooth Sailing Into SkillBridge for Navy Veteran Edwin McBride
/in Features, Jobs and Training /by Mike LeeEdwin McBride decided 20 years in the U.S. Navy wasn’t enough time in the water, so he dove into the SkillBridge Program to intern at the San Diego County Water Authority. The program is helping military veterans transition to career-track training opportunities, including work in the water and wastewater industry. Despite his two decades away […]
Escondido Poster Contest Celebrates Winning Water Awareness Artwork
/in Achievements, Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalTwelve finalists from Escondido schools join a long tradition of fourth-graders entering the annual City of Escondido Student Poster Contest. Students were asked to depict the 2022 contest theme “Love Water, Save Water” to illustrate the value of water resources through creative, hand-drawn art. The students were recognized at the May 25 City Council meeting. […]
More Beauty, Less Water Wins Sweetwater Authority’s 2022 Landscape Contest
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalThe Sweetwater Authority named Nancy Cavanah of Chula Vista its 2022 winner of the WaterSmart Landscape Contest. Cavanah was recognized at the Authority’s June Governing Board meeting. The Cavanah’s landscape was selected from a diverse pool of applicants as the best example of how to create a beautiful landscape using less water. Colorful plants replace […]
Landscape Diversity Showcased By 2022 Olivenhain Municipal Water District Contest Winner
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalMike and Cathy Godfrey’s water-efficient landscape design is the winner of the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest. The Godfreys were recognized at the June OMWD Board of Directors meeting. “Maximizing water efficiency outdoors is especially important as drought conditions remain in effect across the state,” said OMWD Board Director Neal Meyers. “Showcasing […]
Designing Your WaterSmart Living Landscape to Fit Your Life
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalWhen designing your WaterSmart Living landscape, you want your new outdoor space to fit your house, your neighborhood, and your lifestyle. Finding that fit begins by asking a few basic questions. First, how do you want to use your space? It’s possible to significantly improve your home’s water efficiency and meet your lifestyle needs at […]
Summer of Water Conservation in California
/in Conservation Corner, Features /by Mike LeeState, regional, and local leaders are joining forces to urge water conservation across San Diego County and statewide at the start of summer. With drought conditions worsening in every corner of the Southwest, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has called on residents and businesses to take additional conservation measures to help ease the effects of extreme […]
Lake Jennings 2022 Spring Photo Contest Winners Depict Lake Activities
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalSunsets, wildlife, and family fun inspired the winning photos in the 2022 Lake Jennings Spring Photo Contest, held by the Helix Water District. Winners were named this week and recognized at the June Governing Board meeting. The water district offers two yearly contests to connect with their customers and recognize their achievements. Now in its […]
Using Compost and Mulch to Build Healthy Soil
/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle FalkenthalWhen undertaking a WaterSmart landscape renovation, strive to continuously feed as much organic matter as possible to the landscape soil to keep it healthy. Start first with compost and mulch to jump-start the process. Eventually, your plants will feed themselves with their own leaf litter. Organic matter feeds microbes living in the soil that make […]
Water Efficient Yard is 2022 Helix Water District Landscape Contest Winner
/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalA thriving, water-efficient yard in La Mesa is the winner of the Helix Water District’s 2022 WaterSmart Landscape Contest. Homeowner Nick Voinov worked for a decade to transform his turf into its current watersmart residential landscape. It didn’t always look as bright and colorful as it does today. “I love plants and found them more […]
Students Illustrate the Importance of Water in Sweetwater Authority Contest
/in Achievements, Education, Features /by Gayle FalkenthalTwenty local elementary school students were recognized as top entrants of the Sweetwater Authority “Water is Life” Poster Contest. The yearly contest gives K-6 students the chance to demonstrate the ways water is a precious and essential resource. By creating water-related art, students enhance their understanding of the importance of water. More than 100 students […]